Guide to the University of Chicago Department of Geology Records 1923-1941

Descriptive Summary

Special Collections Research Center
University of Chicago Library
1100 East 57th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.

Abstract:

The Department of Geology was founded in 1892, and produced influential research until 1961, when it merged with the Department of Meteorology to form the Department of the Geophysical Sciences. This collection contains correspondence, departmental publications, organizational material and other administrative records of the Department of Geology.

Information on Use

Access

Open for research. No restrictions

Citation

When quoting material from
this collection, the preferred citation is: University of Chicago. Department of Geology. Records, [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library

Historical Note

The Department of Geology was founded in 1892 by Thomas Chrowder Chamberlin and Rollin D. Salisbury, who also launched the Journal of Geology in the following year. Early research in the department focused on regional studies and surveys, but fundamental problems of geology, particularly geochemistry, were emphasized beginning in the late 1910s. It produced more Ph.D.s in the field than any other geology department in the country, and influential research in areas such as petrology, sedimentary geology and paleontology continued through the mid-twentieth century. In 1961, the department merged with the Department of Meteorology, forming the Department of the Geophysical Sciences.

Scope Note

This collection contains correspondence, departmental publications, organizational material and other administrative records of the Department of Geology, spanning the early 1920s through the early 1940s. The largest segment of the collection is a chronological correspondence file of Edson S. Bastin, who served as chair of the department from 1922 to 1944; much of this correspondence relates to administrative activities in the department. Also included is an alphabetical sequence of inquiries from prospective students, material used to organize field trips, correspondence of the Society of Economic Geologists, and other material documenting student work and administrative activities in the department.

Related Resources

The following related resources are located in the Department of Special Collections: